World Animal Day, also known as World Creature Animal Welfare Day or World Animal Protection Day is celebrated every year to highlight compassionate and humane treatment of a diverse number of species who are responsible for maintaining the ecological balance of our planet. World Animal Day was coined by Heinrich Zimmerman who is the writer and publisher of German magazine “Mensch und Hund” (Man and Dog). In 1925 he organised the world’s first of its kind World Animal Day at the Sports Palace in Berlin, which was attended by over 5000 people. In 1931, Zimmerman’s proposal to observe October 4 as World Creature Day received a go-ahead, which in turn was accepted as a resolution during the International Animal Protection Congress in Italy’s Florence. World Animal Day is celebrated across the world on October 4 to shed light on the issue of animal rights and welfare. The day embraces the role of humans in ending cruelty against animals while encouraging everyone to make this planet a better place for all the living beings. Interestingly, the day also commemorates the feast of Francis of Assisi, who is believed to be the patron saint of ecology and animals, according to the Christian beliefs. What’s the theme for 2024? According to World Animal Day’s official website, this year’s theme is “Great or small, love them all”. How can you celebrate World Animal Day? “Great or small, love them all” was the theme for World Animal Day 2023? After much thought, theme for this year’s World Animal Day was chosen “The world is their home too!”World Animal Welfare Day is an annual event celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This day encourages individuals, communities, and organisations to take action in promoting the well-being of animals and preserving our planet’s biodiversity. In this article, we try to provide useful resources and tips to help you become an advocate for animal welfare.
I. The Origins of World Animal Welfare Day: World Animal Welfare Day has its roots in the recognition of animal rights and the need for humane treatment of animals. The day serves as a reminder to respect and care for all living creatures, considering their well-being and the environment they inhabit. This observance aligns with the SDGs, as they aim to promote sustainable development while protecting biodiversity and ensuring the welfare of all species. The Connection to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on World Animal Welfare Day shares a strong connection with the United Nations’ SDGs, particularly the following goals:
Goal 2: Zero Hunger – Ensuring sustainable food production systems, which include humane treatment of farm animals and responsible consumption of products.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging the reduction of food waste, promotion of sustainable supply chains, and ethical treatment of animals in the production process.
Goal 14: Life Below Water – The conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources, including the protection of marine species and their habitats.
Goal 15: Life on Land – The protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the conservation of biodiversity and the prevention of habitat loss for terrestrial species.
The world’s major religions Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism practiced by billions of people around the world have sacred, ancient roots. In all major religions animals play a role in each religion’s sacrifices, meals, and ceremonies. Each religion values animals differently as some people view animals as sacred based on the religion they follow, others merely see them as a source for food. Additionally, each religion has evolved over time and is practiced differently across cultures and countries. Islam has always viewed animals as a special part of Allah’s creation. The Qur’an, the Hadith, and the history of Islamic civilization offer many examples of kindness, mercy, and compassion for animals. According to Census of Marine Life scientists, there are an estimated 8.7 million living species on earth, and yet the Quran teaches us that humans are the highest of creation. With this elevated status comes an elevated responsibility. This responsibility encompasses not only how we treat our own bodies, actions, and interactions with each other, but also how we treat other creations such as animals. Yes, animals have rights and a legitimate place in Islam.
“On World Animals Day, individuals, animal welfare organizations, community groups, and youth or children’s clubs are encouraged to host or arrange various events to honor World Animal Day. The events include educational and promotional activities such as pet adoption, animal blessing services, social media campaigns, etc. Volunteers and activists worldwide can use the day to draw attention to some of the most pressing challenges facing animals.”
The Quran refers to animals as independent communities to be acknowledged and respected: “And there is no creature on (or within) the earth or bird that flies with its wings except (that they are) communities like you. We have not neglected in the Register a thing. Then unto their Lord they will be gathered” (Quran 6:38). At the same time, many animals serve numerous purposes; some of which are for our direct beneficial use, consumption, and companionship while others are part of the circle of life and benefit us indirectly. Regardless of whether we gain any benefit from the animals around us, the Islamic perspective on animal welfare includes treating all animals as independent communities sharing this earth, finding the balance between respecting their independence while at the same time enjoying their benefits and friendship as God intended, all the while avoiding any type of cruelty toward animals. Despite not having the free will or brain power that is bestowed upon humans, animals nonetheless live their lives the way God created them to obey His laws and follow the natural cycle of the earth. Because of Westernized factory-farming methods that are used in many parts of the world, animals suffer hideously in the industries that kill them to produce meat, milk, and eggs. These products not only bring pain and suffering to the animals themselves, they also are implicated in a variety of human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The intensive production of animals for food is also extremely damaging to the environment. Quran, says, “Do you not see that God is exalted by whoever is within the heavens and the earth and (by) the birds with wings spread (in flight)? Each (of them) has known his (means of) prayer and exalting (Him), and God is Knowing of what they do.” (Quran 24:41). This verse shows us that animals have duties and connections with the larger world, including praising God. Hence, we must respect their independent existence without infringing on their rights and responsibilities. When Prophet Nuh (Peace Be Upon Him)) built his ark, he was not only commanded to save the believers among his tribe, but also to preserve the existing animal species by collecting a pair of each. This shows us the importance and value of animals within our living cycle. Quran, says, “(So it was), until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said, ‘Load upon the ship of each (creature) two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded, and (include) whoever has believed.’ But none had believed with him, except a few.” (Quran 11:40). In addition, many animals provide us with food; fertilize our plants, as well as inedible, yet similarly valuable products, such as wool, fur, and leather. These benefits are mentioned in the Quran: “Do you not see that God has made subject to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth and amply bestowed upon you His favors, (both) apparent and unapparent? But of the people is he who disputes about God without knowledge or guidance or an enlightening Book (from Him). (Quran 31:20). An important piece of information here is that despite the overwhelming benefits we gain from animals, God has commanded us to nonetheless share the earth with all living creatures. Therefore, although we gain many benefits from animals, we must remember that we are obligated to care for them and treat them as blessings and with compassion, for the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Anyone who shows mercy, even to an animal meant for slaughtering, will be shown mercy by God on the Day of Rising.”–Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Book 20, Hadith 10. According to the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings, farmers and caretakers must abide by certain guidelines when dealing with animals:
(a) Provide appropriate food and fresh water
(b) Provide a safe and comfortable shelter
(c) Separate them from aggressive behaviors of each other
(d) Allow males and females to mate during mating seasons
(e) Not to harvest them for food faster than their ability to breed
(f) Not to overburden them
(g) Not to neglect them, especially in sickness and advanced age.
In brief World Animal Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of animals’ status and improve welfare standards worldwide. The first World Animal Day was organized on 24 March 1925 at the Sports Palace in Berlin, Germany. Over 5,000 people attended the first event. In 1929, World Animal Day was celebrated for the first time on October 4 by people in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Czechoslovakia, in alignment with the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. In May 1931, at a meeting of the International Animal Protection Congress, Zimmerman’s proposal to make October 4th World Animal Day a universal celebration was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution. Since 2003, World Animal Day has been led and sponsored by Naturewatch Foundation – a UK-based animal welfare charity. On World Animals Day, individuals, animal welfare organizations, community groups, and youth or children’s clubs are encouraged to host or arrange various events to honor World Animal Day. The events include educational and promotional activities such as pet adoption, animal blessing services, social media campaigns, etc. Volunteers and activists worldwide can use the day to draw attention to some of the most pressing challenges facing animals.
(The authors write regularly and exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Arshi Rafiq
Dr. Bilal A Bhat
[email protected]
